Author: kgullackson (Page 1 of 3)

Peer Responses (Module 1)

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/ckmay/2025/07/14/blog-post-1-social-media-personalized-learning/


https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/boshrasaravi/

Hi Bosha,


I’m glad you’re so passionate about helping children and their families succeed. It’s my passion too, which is why I’m going to school to become an elementary teacher! I agree with what you said-learning is always ongoing, and it’s important to stay relevant in any field. Things are constantly changing.

Yes, I can relate. During COVID, when in-person learning wasn’t possible, social platforms were how I communicated with friends and family. It was an interesting time; however, it opened the door to remote work, digital communication tools, and online businesses.

It’s great to see you using social media as collaborative tools, like Facebook. I also use groups; however, I mainly rely on Instagram as a tool.

I read that you have a busy schedule juggling many things at once. I can relate; I also juggle 50 hours a week, three UVIC courses, a boyfriend, family, and friends. But if it weren’t for online courses, it wouldn’t be possible to take courses during such a busy time. I’m grateful they give me more flexibility to complete assignments.

I appreciate you sharing that, as an educator, you keep your account private. I need to do this too; however, I need to figure out how because my account is a business account. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on how to do this while maintaining privacy.

I agree we need to learn these technology skills so we can teach future generations and keep them educated. Great job on your post, and the content is excellent. One suggestion is to align photos with the text or even use a text column paired with images, as this could help make it look more organised.

Blog # 2

WHAT IS DIGITAL IDENTITY?

In the video, Eric Stoller discusses what Digital Identity is. He explains that it’s our online footprint, everything you post, share, how you interact online, and how you use digital tools. My online presence encompasses various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn, personal websites, and more. To be honest, I never really thought of it as my identity, but it is, in fact, who I am. I include posts about loved ones, my hobbies, food, my career, accomplishments, and more.

Eric Stoller – What is Digital Identity?

PERSONAL DIGITAL IDENTITY VS. PERSONAL IDENTITY

In this module, we examined digital identity, personalized learning, and the influence of our digital footprint. One key point for me is recognizing the importance of managing personal and professional digital identities separately.

My professional digital identity is shaped by platforms like LinkedIn, where I showcase skills, connect with colleagues, and develop a career-focused presence. This space is intentional; it’s like my resume in action. I use it to update my resume, connect with other employers and professionals, and to help me find jobs or for others to find me.

Firmbee by Unsplash

In contrast, my personal digital identity is present on platforms like Instagram, where I share hobbies such as hiking, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. Although it’s personal, I stay mindful that future employers might see it. That’s why I make sure all posts reflect positivity and who I want to be perceived as an individual.

To maintain boundaries and align with my goals, I follow these steps:

  • Keep separate accounts for personal and professional purposes.
  • Set personal accounts to private and carefully manage my friend list.
  • Think before posting: “Would my grandma or a future employer approve?”
  • Share content that represents the values I want linked to my name online.

Balancing these identities helps me control how I am perceived in both social and professional contexts. 

Life long learning is crucial

ERIC STROLLER

Social media reveals if you have a passion for lifelong learning. You can see who is growing and adapting and who is not through social media. For example, as a future teacher, you might see me most often on LinkedIn discussing inclusive education or new technology tools for teachers. This shows my growth and keeping myself relevant in the digital professional world.

Blog Post #1

Hello everyone!

My name is Kathryn Gullackson, and I’m excited to be part of this course with all of you. I’m enrolled in the Elementary Curriculum Bachelor of Education (BEd) program at the University of Victoria, and I plan to graduate in 2027. One of my most memorable educational experiences so far was completing my practicum at Spencer Middle School in Sooke, where I had the privilege of teaching Grade 7 students. During my practicum, I utilized Canva, Google Classroom, and Kahoot for lesson planning and taught students how to use these tools for various assignments. Initially, I struggled to set up and explain how to use online platforms, but the process became more efficient and organized overtime.

Maintaining a professional and personal online presence is important to me because it reflects who I am, both as a future educator and as a person. I enjoy sharing my hobbies, such as hiking, exploring new places, engaging with others, and documenting my educational experiences with photos on Facebook and Instagram. I aim to present myself authentically both professionally and personally online. Honestly, I don’t have anything inappropriate on my social media. Still, if a future employer views it, I want them to see the same positive image I try to project and not judge me unfairly.

Below is a photo from my PE “Mock Teacher” session at UVIC highlights the fun and positive energy I love sharing in person and online!

Students wearing an 80s-themed dance costume for a physical education assignment at the University of Victoria.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kathryn 🌸🌻🌼 (@kathryn_gullackson)

Throughout my educational journey, social media acts as a journal, motivating my progress. It allows me to connect with colleagues and academic professionals, particularly through platforms like Instagram, which I use frequently to build a support network on my path to becoming a teacher. To maintain a positive online presence, I keep content uplifting and avoid politics or negativity, utilizing it to network and engage with like-minded individuals.

YouTube video on what digital identity is, why it matters, and how to responsibly build yours. 

Tips for Managing Your Digital Identity

  1. Google Yourself: Take inventory of how you present yourself online
  2. Set goals: Digital identity goals.
  3. Be authentic: Represent yourself online as you are in real life.

Here is a picture of my google search

Kathryn Gullackson's google search

Overall, my digital identity seems to align with my goals and aspirations, but I am hoping to improve my digital identity across all platforms.

Final Free Inquiry Post

In my journey with fitness, technology, and documenting throughout, I have learned how to create digital content through videos, hyperlinks, and digital resources that I can look back on. Find more information on Topic 3: Digital Storytelling from our professor, Rich. I enjoyed this class so much that I plan to continue blogging about my journey even after the course ends. Since my family doesn’t live in Victoria, blogging is also a great way for them to stay connected and see what’s happening in my personal life, even when we’re not in the same city.

Additionally, I’ve gained valuable insights into podcasting and plan to continue the podcast journey I started a while ago. With the knowledge I’ve gained from this course, I’m excited to take my podcast to the next level.

Kathryn Gullackson’s Journey Podcast

Final Reflection

Sketchnote Picture of Edtech Course at UVIC

In my Technology and Innovation class at UVIC, I learned how sketchnotes can reflect my understanding of the material. The visuals help me connect concepts and retain information, making it a useful tool for learning. Thank you, Rich, for teaching me lifelong skills that I can apply both to everyday life and in my classroom.

Strength Training: Glute-Focused Exercises

This week, I shifted my fitness focus to strength training, specifically targeting the glutes. To guide my workout, I used a helpful video titled “The ONLY 3 Dumbbell Glute Exercises You Need (Bigger Butt).” The content had a great mix of humor and education, breaking down why each of the three exercises is effective for glute activation. I personally enjoy watching videos before attempting new strength training exercises because it makes the process easier to understand than text or pictures alone.

The ONLY 3 Dumbbell Glute Exercises You Need (Bigger Butt) Youtube Video

The Three Glute Exercises with Dumbbells

The glutes consist of three muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. All the exercises listed below target these muscles for a comprehensive workout.

Dumbbell Hip Thrusts

  • Positioning: Lay back with your upper back resting on a bench or an elevated surface. Hold a dumbbell on your hips with both hands.
  • Movement: Lift your hips towards the sky. Lower your hips slowly, letting your torso come upright, then drive back up through your heels, squeezing your glutes at the top.
  • Form Tips: Tighten your core. Avoid arching your back at the top and maintain core engagement. For maximum glute activation, keep your shins vertical and knees bent.

Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)

  • Setup: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Execution: Hinge forward at the hips while keeping your back straight and core tight, stopping once you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
  • Return: Engage your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back to a standing position.

Bulgarian Split Squats

  • Starting Position: Stand in a split stance with one foot forward and the other foot resting on a bench or elevated surface.
  • Execution: Hold dumbbells by your sides and lower your body by bending your front knee, keeping your spine straight and core engaged. Push through your front foot to return to the starting position.

Three Tips to Enhance Glute Engagement

  • Lean Forward: Helps activate the glutes more effectively.
  • Squat Deep: Ensures full range of motion and muscle engagement.
  • Squeeze Glutes: Focus on squeezing at the top of each rep for optimal activation.

Topic: Digital Devices: Bicycles for the mind or distraction machines?

Screenshot of Flashlight Sensor from Science Journal

Summary of New B.C. Ministry of Education Guidelines on Device Use in K-12 Schools

The B.C. Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines for device use in K-12 schools that emphasize restricting cellphone use. While specific rules vary by district, a common approach has emerged. In most elementary schools, cellphone use is banned throughout the entire school day, from start to finish. For secondary schools, the guidelines are more lenient, typically limiting device usage to non-instructional times such as breaks, before school, and after school hours.

Smartphones and Tablets in Educational Settings: Helpful or Not?

Smartphones and tablets have a complex role in educational settings, particularly for the grade level I intend to teach. While these devices can offer access to interactive learning apps, immediate research opportunities, and digital collaboration, they often pose challenges as well. In the classroom, smartphones frequently become a distraction, diverting students from lessons, reducing focus, and potentially hampering meaningful peer-to-peer interactions.

Research backs up these concerns. For example, a recent article on new B.C. district policies to restrict cellphone use during the 2024-25 school year highlights findings that removing cellphones from the classroom can reduce students’ temptation to check their devices, fostering better engagement with the learning material and peers.

A video from a B.C. Premier also reinforces this sentiment, indicating that while the cellphone ban will stay in place, its implementation varies across school districts. Watch here.

Youtube Video on B.C. premier says cellphone ban to stay but can differ across school districts

Navigating the Future: Benefits and Challenges of Integrating AI Technologies in K-12 Education Presentation Created by Kathryn, Arwyn, Paris and Shanyce.

Our technology inquiry question is: “What are the benefits and challenges of integrating AI technologies into K-12 education?” presented by Kathryn, Arwyn, Paris, and Shanyce. Our presentation explores how AI can revolutionize teaching and learning. AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks for teachers, and provide adaptive feedback to meet diverse student needs. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, equitable access, and the need for robust teacher training cannot be overlooked. Our project highlights strategies and best practices for AI integration into the classroom.

Check Out our Full Presentation on YouTube Below On Navigating the Future of AI in Education!

The Educational Technology Presentation on YouTube by Kathryn, Arwyn, Paris, and Shanyce. Edited close captions included.

Classroom Management

In our technology and innovation class, guest speaker Brittany Johnson shared valuable classroom management strategies designed to support student engagement and emotional well-being. Below is an overview of some key strategies she discussed:

SEL Check-ins

Brittany emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) check-ins to understand students’ feelings each day. One example involved using characters and emotions from the movie Inside Out paired with a check-in sheet that reads: “I feel [blank] because [blank], and people around me can help by [blank].” There is also a tick box for students to indicate if they want to speak to their teacher about their feelings. This creative approach provides a fun and meaningful way for students to express their emotions, fostering better understanding and support from teachers. Reflecting on this, I feel that such a tool could have made a big difference during my childhood, offering a way for my emotions to be recognized and supported.

Google slide by Brittany Johnson

Soft Starts and Transitions

Soft starts and thoughtful transitions help ease students into new activities. For example, during my Grade 1 practicum, my teacher uses calm music, fidget toys, building blocks, reading time, and drawing in the mornings to gently transition students into their day. This practice reduces anxiety and helps students settle in, creating a positive learning environment.

Photo taken by me (Kathryn Gullackson) at my Link2Practice in a Grade 1 classroom. Hands on build your own design on black sheet.

Routines and Expectations

Brittany highlighted that children often thrive on routine and structure. Clear expectations can reduce anxiety and help students feel more secure. In my practicum, my teacher uses a visual schedule with laminated circles, each representing an activity. As the day progresses, a clothespin moves to the next circle, visually showing students what to expect. This simple yet effective approach gives students a clear picture of their day.

Photo taken by me (Kathryn Gullackson) at my Link2Practice in a Grade 1 classroom. Visual classroom agenda.

Inquiry and Strength Based Approach

Brittany sets classroom goals focused on students’ interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Recognizing that every class is different, this approach ensures students remain engaged, challenged, and motivated by what truly interests and inspires them.

Co-Creating and Collaboration

Involving students in co-creating classroom rules, decorations, learning materials, and rubrics helps them feel a sense of ownership and engagement. When students have a voice in their environment, they are more invested and engaged, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and collaboration.

Digital Literacy Framework

Finally, Brittany emphasized how technology can be a powerful tool to help students engage and take ownership of their learning. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, technology can enhance engagement, representation, and action/expression, impacting different parts of the brain. By leveraging technology, we can support a diverse range of learning styles and needs.

Photo from UDL Guidlines

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Today, children are not getting enough movement at home or at school. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (5-17 years): An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep offer evidence-based recommendations for a balanced day of movement,


A Balanced Day for Optimal Health: SWEAT, STEP, SLEEP, and LIMIT SEDENTARY TIME ages 5-17 years

What are the Benefits?

In my PHE 31O–PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR GENERAL CLASSROOM TEACHERS class we learned the benfits are:

  • Academic Performance
  • Student Confidence 
  • Student Behavior
  • Physical Health 
  • Mental Health 
  • Social Health
Photo by Thirdman on Pixels

How can Teachers Meet These Guidelines?

As educators, we play a crucial role in integrating movement into the school day. Here are some ways in my link2practice at Willows Elementary where these guidlines have been applied:

  • Morning runs or physical activity sessions before school.
  • Frequent movement breaks, where students can stand up, stretch, or do jumping jacks.
  • Taking learning outdoors, such as a walk for science class.
  • Setting up an exercise bike station outside the classroom.

Despite these efforts, many schools still fall short of meeting these guidelines. How can we shift this?

The solution begins with future teachers, like us, recognizing the importance of movement and actively working to incorporate these guidelines into our classrooms. By educating ourselves and adopting these strategies, we can help foster healthier, more active environments for our students.

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